Quick Poll
With the recent passing of music icons Donna Summer and Robin Gibb – each had major success in the 1970s and 1980s – which music decade is your favorite?
- Pre-1960s: 45
- 1960s: 83
- 1970s: 140
- 1980s: 111
- 1990s: 30
- 2000s: 1
- Present: 11
Total Votes:
Published Monday, February 20, 2012 in Local
Sen. Mike Crane introduces abortion, insurance legislation
The Newnan Times-Herald
State Sen. Mike Crane, R-Newnan, has introduced his first piece of legislation.
Senate Bill 438 was introduced on Feb. 15.
The bill prohibits the state employees' health insurance plan from paying for abortions.
In the last three years, Crane said, the state insurance plan spent $850,000 on abortion services.
"Most people are surprised" to find out that the state insurance covers abortion. "I was surprised when I found out," Crane said. "I think they've been doing this for a long, long time. We are still waiting on more information on how far back it goes and how long it has been a part of the benefit plan," Crane said.
"I just think there is probably a significant number of taxpayers who would like to not have their tax dollars go to that," he said.
Crane said he is hoping to get a committee hearing on the bill sometime next week.
Crane said he and his staff are working on a few different things. "We sit around and talk about things and come up with ideas," he said. "That was just one of the things we came across."
Other ideas are much more complex than the abortion legislation.
"That was just real simple -- just 10 words added on to the" existing law, Crane said of SB 438. "It was really easy to do from the standpoint of crafting the legislation. Some of the other stuff we are working on is a little more intricate than that, it just takes more time," he said.
Some of that possible legislation is "more directly tied to the budget and how it is handled," Crane said.
He's hoping that some of the legislation will be ready to be introduced this General Assembly session. However, "we're running out of time," he said. "We've got maybe two weeks to submit legislation."
Commenting on this story has ended.
shouldn't cover abortions . Health insurance is for accident and illnesses, so $1 is too much for any company to be paying for abortions except in the case of the mother's endangerment.
Posted by twocrows at 2:25 PM
The good idea about seat belt laws is it protects people. If your in the hospital with a broken neck who is gonna pay if you can't? The taxpayer of course and your taking up medical staff time when they could be helping other people.
Posted by Joe Cool at 8:55 PM
This change is not about stopping abortions, it is about if the state insurance plan should cover them. And insurance plan paying $850 K over three years is really not that much when you look at the number of employees covered. I would suspect that the savings on premiums for dropping this coverage will be very minimal. Remember it is what the insurance plan covered, this does not mean that the State paid this money. At least from the way I am reading the article. I do not see this as a big savings, seems to me more of a political move.
Posted by Scott at 8:47 PM
First of all medical insurance was originally designed for illness and injuries....when you are licensed to sell health insurance it called S&A for sick and accident. Abortions and contraceptives are neither a sickness or an accident. Second: I would consider murder, rape , child molestation , sexual battery and physical assault as immoral.Should we just drop those criminal acts off the procecutors list?
Posted by twocrows at 8:01 PM
Maybe Sen. Crane is the real Rhino.
Posted by Rhinocerous Stuff at 2:42 PM
Thank you for your comment. If your argument is sound then pacifists should be able to opt out of paying taxes. However I don't think you would agree with that.
First drugs are not a free market nor should they be. They are very costly and rightly so. Maketers enjoy decades of exclusive selling. With the extra profit, they are to generate new drugs and new research. The problem is what to do for those who can't afford them. If those who have less can't have them then you give up the profit needed to develope new drugs.
Posted by turfkiller at 9:58 PM
With all of the pressing economic needs in this state, this representative decided that this was the most important area for his focus. If our economy were better, maybe fewer individuals would feel the need for such action. Instead of outlawing it by proxy, why not try to prevent it in the first place?
Posted by jqpublic at 7:45 PM
is exactly what I am against. Just another foot hold for big government to ease their way into our everyday life. Seat belt laws, for instance, are ridiculous. If you are an adult then you can make the decision to wear, or not wear, your seat belt. If an accident occurs then it's your fault and no one else's (especially the government) Let's actually stop the government from micro managing rather than just talk about it.
Posted by Chad at 6:53 PM
This is not about whether abortion is right or wrong. This is about the Government wanting to be able to make that decision for you and possibly funding it. I don't think the state pays insurance premiums for it's employees but I could be wrong. I thought the new Senator was for less government.
Posted by NunYo Business at 12:36 PM
is a human being not yet born. One may argue that laws forbidding prostitution is an interfernce with a woman's choice and privacy as well. She, according to some has the right to do whatever she wishes with her body. In the case of a woman's choice and privacy regarding abortion no one considers the rights of the father. Fetal life is just as valuable as any other form of human life. What if terminating a marriage were as simple as to kill your husband?
Posted by twocrows at 11:29 AM
At least you use the word life.
Like a true progressive, you confuse the definition of "RIGHT". Rights are your ability to act or not act, something you do. Someone subsidizing you action does not constitute a right, it is an entitlement. And yes, like the Catholic Church, taking the king's coin makes you subject to the king's whims.
Posted by Tim Doyle at 10:50 AM
Once the State has the right to interfere with a woman’s choice or privacy, you surrender your right to not have abortion imposed on your family or daughters by the government. Some comments expressed such base desires.
Legislating the elevation and worship of fetal life as more valuable than all other forms of human life is wrong but that has never stopped politicians.
Preachers and pastors have failed miserably to convince their followers to not have abortions and now, with the senator’s acquiescence are conscripting government to do what they have failed to do.
This legislation proves that this senator cannot personally resist interfering in all women’s reproductive choices. The bad news, he won’t stop with just this.
Posted by turfkiller at 2:31 AM
KC, really? You go right to this argument. Which means you can't support abortions from personal behavior. I think most will have the ability to understand a rape victims hard choice. But that is not the majority of abortion cases.
Posted by Tim Doyle at 11:28 PM
Chad - umm, even when you pay premiums and co-pay, the employer still pays also. In addition, the legal right to do something does not equate to making someone else pay for your acces to it, unless you want to pay for my right to practice my religion?
Posted by Tim Doyle at 11:22 PM
abortion as murder I can berate those who choose to kill their unborn and yes I realize due to liberal thinking of Supreme Court Justices , we have legalized murder of the unborn and removed prayer from our schools. In a nation where the majority of people are Christian then the will of the majority should prevail , however it seems we're all too concerned about offending some minority religious faction that we have given up our freedom . Congress cannot establish a national religion , there's nothing saying "separation of church and state". Kill your unborn but don't dare execute a convicted killer.
Posted by twocrows at 10:33 PM
Don't you think if this were as it is written, that someone before now would have jumped on the bandwagon to fix this? What is being said in this accusation just doesn't pass the "smell" test. Either the facts are wrong, or have been misinterpreted. In either case, not much thought has gone into actually talking to state employees/retirees about this. Crane would also be shocked to learn that not many of them have ever heard of this before. You'd think after 34 years, some of them would have some knowledge of it. But then again, they aren't privey to health info of others because of privacy laws.
Posted by Justwonderin' at 10:03 PM
I think abortion as a means of birth control is wrong, but I have a big issue with all of you who want to force people to pay for abortions on top of the emotional trauma of rape/incest. What if it was your family?
Posted by KC at 7:50 PM
Senator Crane if you need another idea to cut costs may I suggest having People on welfare, section 8, on extended unemployment benefits, and using food stamps do community service to continue to receive these benefits. I do believe many that are taking advantage of the system would voluntarily stop taking the benefits thereby saving taxpayers far more than this $800K + it will help you keep the working mans / women's vote...Just an idea...
Posted by Kirk N. Wilson at 7:36 PM
I care, Chad. Morality is about more than just what's legal. Abortion used to be illegal. When the collective morality of the nation took a nosedive and became more permissive, our legal system and laws followed. Hence the legalization of this heinous thing. Follow morality--real morality--not just the law.
Posted by Regular Reader at 6:24 PM
in Columbus and Decatur accept medicaid. Abortion is nothing less than premeditated murder. If I shoot and kill a pregnant woman I will be charged with two homicides not one. Why then is a person allowed to abort a viable fetus? How can one keep our government which is composed of politicians , out of politics? It's obvious the liberals are attempting to push their agendas on those of us who are GOP. Gay marriage , abortions , attacking 2nd amendment gun ownership and 1st amendment free excerise of religion. Our Constitution is something my ancestors fought for in the Revolutionary War and I am descended from six revolutionary war veterans and I am not happy that the present administration is disregarding the Contitution.
Posted by twocrows at 5:07 PM
Yes people, it is legal to have an abortion in this country. Yes, some people should have abortions rather than bringing a child into the world that will no doubt end up in our corrupt system of foster homes and orphanages. If you disagree that's your right however it doesn't give you the right to berate people for having a perfectly legal operation. If you are paying your insurance premiums and co-pays and what have you then YOU are paying for your medical care, not your employer no matter who that employer might be. This piece of legislation was proposed purely to evoke emotion among right and left wing parties. Bait and Switch folks, Bait and Switch.
Posted by Chad at 4:34 PM
Senator Crane, I don't want to pay taxes to support someone else's family, they bred'em let them feed'em and educate'em. Thanks for your support and I look forward to reading the article that you have introduced this piece of legislation. After all, the republicans do believe the government should stay out of people's business.
Posted by Billy Bob at 4:28 PM
It is a legal procedure. Don't like the law? Change it, don't pick and choose which laws we enforce or abrogate to fit your agenda.
Posted by Captain Reality at 3:48 PM
Good! I don't want to pay for someones abortion, thats their bussiness.
Posted by Jennie at 3:28 PM
It’s scary that people think it's taking away someones "right" (although I don’t think of murder as a right) to do something if they have to pay for it themselves. If someone asks me to buy them a doughnut and I say no because I think they are unhealthy is that taking away their "right" to eat them? NOPE. As for the cost of an abortion v. welfare maybe then we should think about the cost of welfare…monetarily and societal.
Posted by Joseph Breyne at 3:22 PM
Senator Crane dont make me feel like I wasted a vote on you.
Please dont isolate yourself as the abortion senator.
Try and be as effective as possible trying to get industry here and jobs for our rewsidents.
Posted by BillyBob at 2:31 PM
The GOP wants government out of politics EXCEPT when GOP wants to inflict GOP views on others!
Posted by frannie at 2:24 PM
If you think it's OK to pay for someone to kill their baby just because it isn't born yet, YOU go ahead and pay for it out of your own pocket. Don't force ME to pay for it through my taxes or insurance premiums.
Posted by Paul Gamblin at 2:10 PM
It IS the state's business when the state is the employer that is the subject of the bill. Not all employers- just the state. They should have the right to cover or not cover whatever they want. If employees don't like it, they find somewhere else to work.
Posted by Elcee at 1:49 PM
Don't the state employees that have this insurance pay their own premiums? Isn't it up to an insurance company to decide what is and isn't covered in a health insurance policy? Just asking, not taking sides.
Posted by NunYo Business at 1:27 PM
Congrats & Kudos Senator Crane! THANK YOU for this proposed legislation. Count me among those who don't want my tax dollars going for abortion services. I'm pro-life but--all religion aside--it's not the government's role to pay for this. Yeah, yeah, I know government pays for way too many other things, but NOT for this. If you're pro-abortion, then pay for it yourself. Bad enough all the other irresponsibility taxpayers are forced to subsidize. If you can't grasp this based solely on the value of life, maybe you'll appreciate the savings this represents!
Posted by Regular Reader at 12:54 PM
PSH is right. Those people on welfare are not the ones getting abortions paid for with State Employees Health Insurance. Welfare recipents don't have jobs. Those abortions have been given to women or their daughters that have made a bad choice. I agree completely that abortions should not be paid for with any funds that could be public funds even if a portion of those premium contributions are made by the employee. Abortion is WRONG...it is taking a beating HEART and Stopping it because someone either doesn't have the time to take care of a baby or does not want to.
Posted by Gail at 12:43 PM
Using Bill C’s logic, reducing cost is preferred to the sanctity of life. I urge all to think about this statement. Look at government expenditures. Who is the target of the expanding costs of government spending? The elderly and the infirmed. Bill’s argument is a century old, rooted in the idea of eugenics. Google it and follow eugenics to its ‘rational’ conclusion. Hopefully, Bill just didn’t think this all the way or has more faith in this fellow man than I do. History supports my concerns.
Posted by Tim Doyle at 12:22 PM
The EMPLOYER here is the STATE. Therefore, this is internal 'business'. The comparison is if the legislation told "PRIVATE" employers to not provide abortion coverage, that is wrong. If you don't want the government controlling your health care, don't work for the state. You know , the real freedom of choice.
If you want to fund abortions, start a charity to provide for it and get government out of it. By removing the public component, you remove the lightening rod. But it really isn’t about providing abortions. It is about coercing your fellow citizens in supporting your morals.
Posted by Tim Doyle at 12:13 PM
true colors? c'mon George, there are many people, rich/poor, black/white, Rep/Dems that (rightfully) dont believe in abortion and/or that taxpayers should foot the bill. You are the one turning it into a religous discussion!
Posted by JM at 12:12 PM
So paying for someone to have baby and all of the care after the birth is cheaper? Just admit that you want to legislate based on morality. It's hard to call myself a republican when guys like this want to force their religious beliefs on others. It's no worse than liberals wanting to force environmental beliefs, etc...
Posted by Newninja at 12:07 PM
I watch the children playing ball, cheerleading, singing, and living. I wonder "What if?". What if the procedure was not done?? Was it a boy or girl?? Would my child have saved lives of others through medical discovies?? Yes, the scars can run deep and live with you a lifetime. I'm sure that many of the folks that have endured the procedure are asking "What If?"
Posted by derf at 12:05 PM
"I just think there is probably a significant number of taxpayers who would like to not have their tax dollars go to that," he said.
Another right wing religious proponent that wants to impose his beliefs on everyone. This is not good and now he is showing his true colors.
Posted by George Walker at 11:54 AM
Nita,I did not know that Obama was a Republican,thanks for letting us know.
Posted by Glenn at 11:51 AM
the abortion vs. welfare argument always cracks me up. Welfare moms are NOT getting abortions, people! Their children are their source of income!
Posted by Psh! at 11:48 AM
The GOP trying to control employer's health care? They said that's a liberal conspiracy...Will they ration drugs and other procedures next? Ban vasectomies? Stents?
It's not the state's business what medical procedure an employer's health insurance policy covers. Medical decisions are between you and your doctor.
What's next--the GOP discriminating against state employees? Wait--they are attacking teachers, and defunding essential government services to give corporate tax breaks. Sex obsessed hypocrites.
Posted by American Theocrat at 11:33 AM
Keep up the good work Mike! Preventing abortion/killing and dropping taxes are win-win for us all. Protection of those without a voice is paramount in a developed society.
Posted by JM at 11:16 AM
"In the last three years, Crane said, the state insurance plan spent $850,000 on abortion services." What I'd like to ask Sen. Crane is, how much state ins. money was spent in the last 3 years on male sexual disfunction: i.e viagra/inhancements? I'm neither pro nor con on abortion so I think my reasoning is logical: Pregnancy is a medical condition,(Ask any OB/GYN),as is male sexual disfunction and should be treated as such. I just ask for dollar figures on the male side. If you take away that coverage for women, take away the other. We're watching.
Posted by Nita Pate at 10:57 AM
All this sounds good folks but let me ask a question. Get the religion out of it. WOuld you rather pay for an abortion; or would you rather pay welfare and other expenses for who knows how long. I'd rather pay for the abortion.
Posted by Bill C at 10:39 AM
Typical. Run on the issues of the day. Stress jobs and an improved economy. Arrive at the Capitol and here we go with abortion again.
Posted by Coweta Citizen at 10:28 AM
How did Sen. Crane get access to private medical records?
Its hard not to ask to prove the number $850,000 show me the data. Not estimates nor standard of care cost which is not accurate to prove the numbers. Let's hope he has included money for saving the life of the mother during an emergency procedure.
Posted by Rick page at 9:33 AM
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Emailed
- Commented
- Store clerk shot during robbery; non-life threatening injuries
- Senoia's second Southern Living Idea House set to open June 2
- Blunt force trauma killed wreck victim
- You will have to renew driver's license in person starting July 1
- Driver faces weapons and drug charges
- 11-year-old charged after bringing toy gun to school
- Motel Fire: Three families displaced; fireman's injuries minor
- Suspects sought in T-Mobile robbery
- 'Drop Dead Diva' films in downtown Newnan
- Graduation Day: 1,500 will receive Coweta high school diplomas
- You will have to renew driver's license in person starting July 1
- HGTV's Green Home at Serenbe open through June 24
- Chattahoochee "endangered river?" Planned water reservoirs seen as hazard by national group
- Senoia's second Southern Living Idea House set to open June 2
- A tribute to Robert Wood
- Suspects sought in T-Mobile robbery
- Summer HEAT program now underway in Georgia
- Top-ranked Brentwood too much for Heritage School
- Registration open for virtual schools
- Samaritan Clinic needs our support to expand its free health services
- Officers watching you to ensure you buckle your seat belt
- Do our police put too much emphasis on seat belt law?
- Pastor's Corner: Are you born that way or not?
- Summer HEAT program now underway in Georgia
- Coty wants Grantville charter amended; Sells objects to 'micromanaging'
- You will have to renew driver's license in person starting July 1
- Railroad crossing now open
- Chattahoochee "endangered river?" Planned water reservoirs seen as hazard by national group
- High school graduation a significant milestone in the life of a student
- Northgate Spring Football Practice: Working on an encore
Insurance
2/23/2012
Link To This Comment
I am not saying insurance should cover abortions, my point is this I doubt this will save much money!
Posted by Scott at 5:30 PM